Winterizing an Above-Ground Pool for Non-Freezing Conditions
As the summer winds down, it is time to start getting your pool ready for the cold winter months. Properly winterizing your pool will protect your equipment from ice damage, keep your water clean, and will help save you time and money when opening your pool in the spring. Winterizing your pool may seem complicated, but with a little preparation, it can be a very simple and pain-free process. Leslie's has compiled a set of step-by-step instructions to help you safely and effectively winterize your pool.
If you live in a climate that rarely has temperatures dip below freezing, and you own an above-ground pool, these easy-to-follow instructions will help you close your pool at the end of the season.
1. Add Pool Magic + PHOSfree
One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree directly into the skimmer for every 10,000 gallons of water.
2. Brush & Vacuum
Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dirt, leaves, and debris.
3. Fill Pool Water
Fill the pool to the top, almost to the point of overflowing.
4. Add Stain & Scale Remover
To prevent metal stains, add MetalFree and Leslie's Stain and Scale Remove. For every 20,000 gallons, add one liter of MetalFree and one quart (32 ounces) of Leslie'ss Stain and Scale Remove by pouring it around the perimeter of your pool.
5. Adjust pH Level
Adjust the pH to the proper level. For all pools, the pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Leslie's Soda Ash quickly raises a pool's pH. Just 6 ounces raises the pH level of 10,000 gallons by 0.2. For plaster pools, broadcast it around perimeter of your pool. For vinyl-lined pools, mix it with water in a large bucket before adding it to your pool.
6. Adjust Total Alkalinity Level
Adjust the Total Alkalinity to the proper level. Total Alkalinity should be in the 80 - 120 ppm range for plaster pools and the 120-140 range for vinyl-lined pools. To easily adjust Total Alkalinity, use Leslie's Alkalinity Up by broadcasting it around the perimeter of your pool. Just one pound of Leslie's Alkalinity Up will increase the Total Alkalinity of 10,000 gallons of water by 10 ppm.
7. Adjust Calcium Hardness Level
To help protect your pool, adjust the Calcium Hardness to 200-400 ppm using Leslie's Hardness Plus. Adding 1 1/4 pounds of Leslie's Hardness Plus for every 10,000 gallons of water will increase the Calcium Hardness by 10 ppm.
8. Add Algae Control
Add one quart (32 ounces) of Leslie's Algae Control per 25,000 gallons by mixing with water in a large bucket and pouring it around the perimeter of your pool. Wait one hour before following the next step.
9. Add Chlorine-Free Shock
Shock the pool with Leslie's Fresh 'N Clear at the rate of two pounds per 10,000 gallons by broadcasting the product around the perimeter of your pool.
10. Adjust Chlorine Level
Bring the chlorine to an appropriate level - between 1.5-3.0 ppm.
11. Run Pump & Filter
Let the pump run for at least one complete cycle after adding chemicals. This is usually 4-8 hours. Backwash or manually clean the filter.
12. Remove Pool Accessories
Remove all non-permanent articles such as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, etc. If you have an automatic pool cleaner, remove it and drain it completely. Lay the hoses out straight in a non-freezing location.
13. Inflate Air Pillows
Inflate and tie Air Pillows to a stationary object. An average-sized pool, 18' x 18', typically requires 2-3 air pillows. If you are using multiple pillows, tie them together using the grommets located on the pillow's corners.
14. Install Pool Cover
Cover the pool using a Safety Cover or Winter Cover and Leaf Net. This may require the use of a cable and winch.
15. Connect Water Bags or Weights
If necessary, use Above-Ground Wall Bags to secure the cover.
16. Check Chemical Balance
During the winter season, check the chemical balance every two weeks, and inspect the pool water by pulling back the cover slightly. If staining or scaling is beginning to develop, bring a sample of your water into your nearest Leslie's location.
